The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1887-07-13

trouble does not lie in that dlrec-
ton. 1t hinges upon expediency;
and expedieney, in matters of education,
as in almost everything else American,
means money-making. 1t is doubtless true
that common school educators in the
United States are becoming professional
educators, and therefore better prepared to
influence public thought in educational
matters. The qualified educator compre-
hends the fact that education, to be com.
plete, must be coextensive with the facul-
ties of the being educated. Children pos
sess musical fseulties, and when these are
neglected their education is not complete.
But in discussing the expediency and the
propriety of tie introduction Of vocal
music as branch of common school edu-
cation in the United States, we are con-
fronted with the fact that competent teach
money. Only in large cities could
such teachers be secured, even If the
authorities were to- decide afNrmatively
in regard to the expediency of making vo-
Cal music branch of common school edu-
cation. The demand now is to agitate,
talk and write upon the subject of q COM
mon school musical education, and on all
proper occasions sing the facts into more
general recognition. Perhaps some one
will inquire, What are the facts? They are
rumerous-too numerous to be classified
or stated in the space at our command II
it be admitted that all children can be
taught to sing the fact of the musical facul-
~ is admitted. 1t will not do, therefore;
to assert that the Creator has bestowed
upon human beings faculties without de-
sign, or which are useless, or which may,
lie dormant with impuuity. Manifestly,
the Creator de gned that they should all
be developed sud perfected, and hence ed.
ucation, to be complete, must regard the
musical faculty. Music in its influence is
sublimating. Shakespeare's testimony is:
"ohl 1t comes over me like the sweet South,
That breathes upon bank of violets,
Stealing and giving Odor."
Music, as a moral, elevating and refining
force, is everywhere recognized by those
who have given the subject attention. A
given accounts OF the effects of the intro
duction, many years ago, of music into the
Canton de Wand, and also into village of
German Switzerland. The effect upon the
entire moral character of the people was
immediate and striking. They relinouished
drinking, riot and debauchery and all dis
reputable amusements to join musical rec
Ieatlon. And villages before noted for
nothing but i'll became distinguished for
sobriety, order and purity. 1t is doubtless
true that Americans are not musical
as the term music is usually understood.
1t may be true that we have no refined
national taste, no national music. To what
ever extent such statements are true the
extent is vastly less than it was fifty years
ago. There is now, in souls American, as
certainly as souls in Germany or Italy
&c sympathy with sounds,
And as the mind is pitched the ear is pleased
With melting airs or martial, brisk or grave"
The Introduction of vocal music as a
branch of common school education will
add new charms TO American homes. This
done and we shall become a singing nation.
The subject is being discussed more or less
earnestly throughout the country, and the
age of music is even now dawning. As a
people We are to have more relaxation,
more holidays, more leisure for
hands and brains, and if with
these blessings we are permitted to an
ticipate a universal knowledge of music
we shall, as a people. be better equipped
to appreciate every object of beauty or
sublimitY in our favored land, better able
to olothe them in the charms of. rythmic
verse, thus appealing more strongly to the
sentiment of poetry, which is an element
in the constitution of every human being,
and then there will be millions of ears at
tuned to
"Voices of melting tenderness that blend
With pure and gentle musings, till the soul,
Commingling with the melody is borne,